HII Expands Welding Automation at Ingalls Shipbuilding Through Partnership with HD HHI

PASCAGOULA, Miss., Aug. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HII (NYSE: HII) and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) are advancing their strategic partnership with a pilot program to implement additional intelligent mechanized welding equipment at HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division, expanding Ingalls’ robust existing automation and technology strategy. The pilot is a meaningful step in advancing U.S.-Korea shipbuilding cooperation, as outlined in a 2025 memorandum of understanding (MOU) (link) between the two companies, and underscores HII’s commitment to innovate operations as it delivers ships to the U.S. Navy.

“Ingalls operates one of the most advanced automated production lines in the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base,” Ingalls Shipbuilding President Brian Blanchette said. “Investments in technology and automation range from large-scale automated panel lines and material handling, to robotic bulkhead fabrication, to numerous other digital and advanced manufacturing tools. This pilot extends that automation footprint further into the production process, and to a greater share of the workforce. Working with HHI allows us to expand targeted automation functions, and integrate shared best practices as we continue delivering the most capable ships to the U.S. Navy.”